The purpose of this blog is to promote civil discourse on issues of concern in the Niagara region.

November 26, 2010

DelMonte's Job Hunt

For the past two weeks, we've been sitting on a rumor that outgoing Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte had been appointed to a $90,000/year job with the New York Power Authority. We haven't run it because, despite multiple attempts, we have been unable to confirm it.

Now we've learned that she has her sights set somewhat higher.

Sources have told Niagara Times that DelMonte has been involved in discussions with state officials to assume the position of President of USA Niagara Development Corporation. There's just one problem: that job is currently held by Chris Schoepflin. Odds are that Schoepflin is not quite ready to vacate the position.

According to their website, USA Niagara Development Corporation, a subsidiary of Empire State Development Corporation, is solely dedicated to the support and promotion of economic development initiatives in Niagara Falls by leveraging private investment and encouraging growth and renewal of the tourism industry in the City of Niagara Falls.

I think we can all agree that USA Niagara has completely failed at their mission. Schoepflin, during his tenure there, has not created a single private-sector job. He's also pulling in a hefty six-figure salary. The opportunity to make good for Niagara Falls while maintaining some relevance with a nice paycheck is very appealing to DelMonte.

Historically, DelMonte has had a decent relationship with USA Niagara and Schoepflin. But she is still very, very bitter about her loss, and she is not going to allow anyone to stand in the way of the desperately needed redemption that she seeks.

Make no mistake about it, DelMonte will be taken care of with a job. It's just a matter of where and when.